Background Perspectives Restoration Sources of information Credits

The goal of this publication from Oregon State University is simple: to promote thoughtful conversation among the citizens of Oregon. We hope to do this by providing a "snapshot" of what may be the most complex, far-reaching and dynamic public issue in our state's history--what some have called "the salmon crisis."

At first this seemed like a daunting challenge. There are enough books, articles and tapes on the topic, many of them excellent, to fill rooms (to say nothing of the information available through the Internet). But the OSU Extension Service's public issues education group felt something was missing--a brief, easily understood discussion of this fascinating issue.

They decided to produce a nontechnical publication that would address many topics and present many points of view to give citizens a broad picture of the salmon issue, with its biological, economic and social sides.

So, here's what you'll find in the pages that follow:

There are several stories that provide background about salmon and research on salmon-related subjects.

There are stories that take you from the fresh water where salmon are hatched to the ocean where many spend a large portion of their lives. Each of these stories presents, briefly, human perspectives on an activity, or a natural phenomenon, that may affect salmon.

You'll also find stories that look at human efforts to address the salmon issue, such as the public/private Oregon Plan for Salmon and Watersheds, other government-related efforts, legal actions and rehabilitation projects. Last, we'll tell you where to get more information.

Across our campus and the state, Oregon State University faculty, staff and students are involved in teaching and research linked to the salmon crisis. But another important role our university plays in society is promoting constructive discussion among citizens. We hope this publication does that.

Paul Risser, President, Oregon State University
Lyla Houglum, Dean and Director, OSU Extension Service

Produced and distributed in furtherance of the Acts of Congress of May 8 and June 30, 1914. Extension work is a cooperative program of Oregon State University, the U.S. Department of Agriculture, and Oregon counties. Oregon State University Extension Service offers educational programs, activities, and materials without discrimination based on age, color, disability, gender identity or expression, marital status, national origin, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, or veteran's status. Oregon State University Extension Service is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

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